Tigerfishing in South Africa - Jozini

Flyfishing for Tigerfish on Lake Jozini

When Marc Courtiade and myself received the invite to target the fabled Tigerfish at Jozini dam with Mavungana Flyfishing, we leaped at the opportunity. I had accompanied Jonathan Boulton on two previous occasions to the massive lake, both trips consisted of exiting sight fishing for the striped water dogs on fly. As it happens, Marc and I are both fly fishing enthusiasts and we are both Pilots, so we decided to fly down in a little Cessna 172. The airstrip was short (840m) but doable as we were only two on board with a ton of Flyfishing equipment. After a very enjoyable and very scenic two hour flight, Marc greased the landing at Pongola airstrip and we were off to the lodge.

Lake Jozini fishes best just after the colder winter months, when the water starts to warm up and baitfish become more active. When the Spring and Summer rains discolour the water again, the fly fishing slows down, the window of opportunity is relatively small and it is over this period that Mavungana Flyfishing books out the venue for the best shot at getting those magical double figure Tigerfish right here in South Africa.

The Tigers are actively feeding on the local red-breast Tilapia around this time, and they can be seen cruising the shallows, attempting to flush out the hapless baitfish. Excellent sight fishing can be had in and around the shallows, with takes just sub-surface not uncommon, watching a massive Tigerfish swirl on your fly multiple times during the retrieve is enough to stir the adrenaline and weaken the knees of any man.

Gear selection is relatively straightforward, with 7-9wt rods being ideal, coupled with a decent reel that won’t explode if a blistering run is made and two decent fly lines. A tropical floating line with a ghost tip or a slow intermediate (The clear tropical ones are great) and a full sinking or 300grain shooting head system for prospecting rock faces and deep channels with Clouser minnows. A word of warning though, an un-intended mid-air collision between a Clouser and fly-rod will end badly. A spare rod is recommended.

Leaders are simple, straight 15-25lb maxima tied directly from the flyline to a piece of wire. (25-30lb piano wire is perfect) A perfection loop connecting the Flyline to the leader is ideal. A nonslip "Jozini Wire Knot" for the leader to wire is one of our favorite. the advantage of this knot is that the wire, which could cut through the mono if sufficient tension is created, now rests against x2 mono loops lying at a 90' angle. Your wire needs to be around 4-5 Inches long, some prefer a shorter section, but we have had tigers (especially the larger specimens) that have eaten the fly properly and chewed on the mono, not ideal if you want to land that trophy. The flies included in the Mavungana Flypack will sort you out for any eventuality on the water, all expertly tied by our resident fly-tyer on top quality, chemically sharpened hooks for maximum penetration.

The accommodation that Mavungana organizes is always exceptional, air-conditioned chalets with a lovely view built on wooden ‘stilts.’ Often, a herd of Nyala will graze around and under your chalet, and game-viewing can be done just by looking out your window. Many fly-fishermen elect to take along their better halves, facilitated by a pool, heated Jacuzzi and a basic day-spa, the ladies will be content all day. Game-walks, drives and boat rides can also be arranged, with sightings of Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippos and Crocs virtually guaranteed.

 

The catering is amazing, with a buffet breakfast in the morning that has everything you could possibly want in a breakfast including freshly baked muffins, bacon, cereals and fruit. The evening meals are always exquisite, often a large braai area is arranged so that everyone can socialize and chat about the day's fishing. It's an early start and getting on the water at the crack of dawn makes for some spectacular sunrises, where you could spot a fish eagle getting breakfast alongside some elephant and couple of buffalo while you wrestle in a Tigerfish. A difficult experience to beat!

The fishing is relaxed and is done off modified fly fishing skiffs with carpeted decks, anglers often fish barefoot to avoid stepping on the line. Accuracy is required and the ability to cast a long line into a target area reasonably well will improve you catch rate immensely. Practice with your 9 weight before you arrive. Drifts along likely looking banks and bays are setup so that both anglers can comfortably reach the fish, a breeze is always a blessing, as drift speed is vital to ensure you cover the good water effectively. A veteran guide will accompany you on the boat, the guides have fished the dam for years and will put you on the fish while offering friendly chatter and a vast knowledge of the abundant bird and wild life.

Water clarity ranges from discoloured at the river inlet, to reasonably clear with around 1m visibility further out into the main dam. The location of the Tigerfish is determined by a number of factors, including wind, water clarity and temperature. The general trend is during midday, the Tigers patrol the abundant weed banks lining the shore. In the low light conditions in the morning and especially the late afternoon, they move into the shallow bays and flush out the baitfish. This can be some of the most spectacular shallow water Tigerfishing you will ever experience.

We had a situation on the very last morning where it was an absolute flat calm and we could see the Tigers foraging for baitfish on a very shallow (2-3ft) sandy bank. Every now and then an orange sickle fin would break the surface, giving us some tantalizing shots at the wary predators. After some frustrating follows and swirls on the fly, we saw some activity by a likely looking submerged log, after quietly paddling over, I made a long cast into the fray. Immediately the line was wrenched taut as a lovely 10lb Tigerfish engulfed the fly and made some spectacular jumps as cheers of triumph and some expletives were shouted. The fish was safely released and will fight another day.

As always, if you need any extra info about the venue or want to hear about packages available, feel free to contact me via email or on my cel.

Jp.mexel@gmail.com
072 621 8425